Labasa coach: We're on track to win EPL

It was a huge relief for Labasa players and officials when Melvin Mani scored in injury time to secure a 2-1 victory over Rewa in their Extra Premier League clash at Subrail Park last Saturday.

The Northerners led 1-0 at halftime before Rewa equalised in the second half, but Labasa’s never-say-die attitude earned them the win.

Fans erupted after Labasa midfield general Melvin Mani cleverly back-heeled the ball into the net for the winner.

Labasa coach Alvin Chand said the result was crucial in the team’s quest to win the Extra Premier League title for the first time since 2007.

“The fighting spirit shown by my players was tremendous,” he said.

When asked about the game plan, Chand said the instructions were simple — deny Rewa possession during the opening 15 minutes of the first half.

“The players were told to shut out Rewa in the first 15 minutes. If they had scored early, making a comeback would have been difficult,” he said.

From his assessment against top teams this season, Chand said Labasa had performed well and that winning the EPL title was now a realistic possibility.

Rewa coach Priyant Manu was disappointed with the loss.

Manu questioned the referee’s decisions in the final 10 minutes of the second half, claiming they favoured Labasa.

Labasa remains unbeaten at home this season and continues to lead the EPL standings with 21 points from 10 matches.

Results

• Labasa 2-1 Rewa
• Navua 1-1 Nadroga
• Lautoka 5-1 Tailevu/Naitasiri
• Ba 7-0 Nasinu